Kurdish representatives stayed away from a parliament session under way in Baghdad as tensions escalate further between Iraq's central government and the region following its controversial independence referendum.

Kurdish representatives stayed away from a parliament session under way in Baghdad as tensions escalate further between Iraq's central government and the region following its controversial independence referendum.

MP Mohammed al-Karbouli said Kurdish politicians did not show up for Tuesday's session.

The Shiite-dominated legislature rejected the September 25 referendum in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region and areas the Kurds captured battling the Islamic State group since 2014.

The Kurds voted by more than 90% in support of independence.

Parliament has asked for harsh measures in response to the vote, including sending federal troops to retake the contested oil-rich city of Kirkuk, held by Kurdish forces but claimed by Baghdad.